Job creation and economic development have been a top priority of mine since taking office in January. I am pleased to inform you about some new policy items passed by Orange County to promote business growth and job creation in our area.
In the past month, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved $16 million in new infrastructure improvements and community projects for the upcoming 2011-2012 Fiscal Year. Recent changes in state law reduced Orange County government’s contribution to the Florida Retirement System, which made funds available for a series of projects and capital improvement upgrades.
The upgrades include sidewalk, roadway, intersection, traffic-calming and guide-signs projects throughout the county. Approximately $2 million of infrastructure improvements are planned in District 4. These improvements will improve safety at some of the county’s most dangerous intersections, as well as help provide construction and transportation jobs.
I am proud to have championed a job-creation component to the above project list as well. The BCC allocated $500,000 to enhance economic development programs at the University of Central Florida, specifically to assist second-stage local companies looking to add employees and grow in Orange County. In preparing this economic development package for the BCC’s consideration, I worked with the Florida High Tech Corridor Council and Seminole County Government to secure an additional $550,000 allocation to help second-stage companies in our region.
Additionally, a $50,000 grant will help the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) provide race-neutral micro-loans to small businesses. If you are a small business owner in need of capital and do not qualify for traditional SBA lending, I encourage you to seek out the BBIF and find out about the program.
The BCC also approved a referendum to be placed on the Presidential Preferential Primary in February that would allow for tax abatement for qualified targeted businesses looking to locate and/or expand here.
Redistricting Update
You can view the final district map proposals online at www.ocfl.net/rac. The final proposals will be brought to the BCC on Tuesday, Nov. 15. These maps are the culmination of months of public input and discussion. I encourage you to look over the maps and send your comments to all members of the BCC, as the final outcome will impact every resident of Orange County.
Parks and Recreation Task Force Committee
In response to the overwhelming interest in the opening on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and need for additional recreation facilities in our district, I put together a committee to discuss possible solutions for moving forward. This committee has already met once and is working hard to create more recreation options for our district. The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18 in the Naples Room of the Renaissance Senior Center, 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. It’s not too late to join this committee, just RSVP to Jason Russo at 407-836-5881 or Jason.Russo@ocfl.net
I am truly enjoying my time serving as your County Commissioner and am working hard every day to make Orange County a better place to call home. If you’d like to see for yourself what I have been working on, visit www.JenniferThompson.net. Or, “Like” the Orange County Commissioner, Jennifer Thompson Facebook page and I’ll keep you informed on a daily basis.
If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at Jennifer.Thompson@OCFL.net or at 407-836-5881.